17/4/04
Western Australia's longest self-drive trail network - the 3,000km Gascoyne Murchison Outback Pathways project - was officially opened today.
In ceremonies at Gascoyne Junction and Wooleen Station today, Gascoyne Minister Tom Stephens launched three pathways stretching across the Gascoyne and Mid-West regions.
These included:
- the Kingsford-Smith Mail Run from Carnarvon to Meekatharra via Mt Augustus National Park;
- the Wool Wagon Pathway from Geraldton or Yalgoo, through the Murchison to Gascoyne Junction and onward to Exmouth; and
- the Miners Pathway that includes Paynes Find, Meekatharra, Mt Magnet, Cue, Sandstone and Yalgoo.
"This wonderful cross-regional initiative will provide a sound basis for developing tourism opportunities and diversifying regional economies," Mr Stephens said.
"The Gascoyne and Murchison outback regions, with their wealth of history and natural beauty, are well placed to cater for eco-tourism, heritage tourism and adventure holidays.
"These are growth industries in the region.
"Interpretive signage and travel brochures will enrich visitors' experiences and attract more travellers.
"This positive approach has already encouraged new tourism services and investment with a 24-hour fuel service opening in Yalgoo and many pastoral lessees constructing accommodation units.
"New attractions such as the Meeka Rangelands Discovery Trail in Meekatharra, the Piyarli Yardi Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre in Carnarvon and the Naaguja
Cultural Trail in Geraldton are being developed."
This project was developed through the Gascoyne Murchison Strategy, which identified tourism as a sustainable diversification option to improve the economic, environmental and social viability of the Gascoyne Murchison rangelands.
The project has received financial and in-kind assistance worth more than $400,000 from Federal, State, local government and tourism industry sources.
It was initiated by the State Government's Gascoyne and Mid-West Development Commissions.
Support was provided through the Federal Department of Transport and Regional Services, and WA agencies including the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Local Government and Regional Development and the WA Tourism Commission and its zone councils covering Australia's Golden Outback and Australia's Coral Coast.
Eleven local governments - Carnarvon, Cue, Exmouth, the City of Geraldton, Meekatharra, Mt. Magnet, Mullewa, Murchison, Sandstone, Upper Gascoyne and Yalgoo - are also participating in the project.
Minister's office: 9213 6500
